HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESS BRIEFING BY BRENDEN VARMA,?SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MIROSLAV LAJ??K

United Nations Headquarters, New York

21 February 2018

 

PRESIDENT CALLS FOR FACTS TO REPLACE EMOTIONS WHEN DISCUSSING MIGRATION

  • On migration, the President is today convening the Fourth Informal Multi-Stakeholder Hearing. This gathering is part of the overall lead-up to the eventual adoption of the Global Compact on Migration.
  • Today’s theme is “Facts instead of perceptions: Promoting an evidence-based discussion on migration”. Participants will talk about the need to respond to misperceptions and unfounded fears about migration with actual data.
  • In his opening remarks, the President said, “When facts and information are absent, a vacuum develops in their place… And the vacuum can quickly be filled by emotional rhetoric, politicised messaging, or even hate speech.”
  • He noted that the facts on migration will not always necessarily be positive. Legitimate concerns and differences will remain. But as long as they are based on real information, they can lead us to real dialogue and form the basis of effective partnerships.
  • He said it is up to all of us – including the media – to promote an evidence-based approach.

 

PRESIDENT DISCUSSES ASSEMBLY PRIORITIES WITH POLISH FOREIGN MINISTER

  • The President met today with the Foreign Minister of Poland, H.E. Mr. Jacek Czaputowicz.
  • The President briefed the Foreign Minister on his priorities for the 72nd session, including the recently launched intergovernmental negotiations on the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. They also discussed the importance of multilateralism.
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